I woke up this morning to news shows reminding me it was veterans day, the day we remember all the service members who unselfishly gave their time to protect you and me.

I always fly the flag on Veterans day, a tradition my dad taught me, but today was a little different. The inclement weather is keeping me from doing so, a rule I had to look up. According to the Flag Code (Section 6-c) “The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed”. The flag I have is an old cotton one that my dad used for years. So it bothered me that I couldn’t keep the tradition alive today.

Instead, today I am going to honor a lifelong friend of mine. Chris H. lived a block away from me as the crow flies growing up. We spent too many hours together riding bikes, playing golf, roaming the streets, and just being kids. Like any friendship, it had its ups and downs but from my perspective, we are still connected.

I graduated early in my Senior year to attend Parkland College full time. Because of that, I lost that daily touch with most of my High School friends. In the Spring of 1972, I learned through the grapevine, that Chris joined the Marines along with another friend Greg W. (RIP), and would be leaving Champaign immediately after graduation. My only thought at that time was “What was he thinking?”

We never kept in touch after that. I knew he was discharged, married, had kids, and lived out east somewhere. Then, at a class reunion, there was Chris. We had a great conversation and I learned he has now moved west.

This fall, we took a trip to Texas and I made it a point to re-connect with Chris and visit him in his now, new hometown. I believe that traveling a long distance to visit someone shows them that you are friends not just on your terms, but on theirs as well. Unfortunately, his wife wasn’t available for our meet but catching up was special.

Funny how time changes your perspective. Wondering what the heck Chris was doing then has now changed to how much I respect what he did. I’ve still never told Chris how much his service to our country means to me, why I didn’t tell him when we were together last month, I’m not sure. Hopefully, he knows now.

To all those who gave of their time so that I can enjoy mine, thanks! HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:1